Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) Copyright: 1999, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact: 414-224-8280 Website: http://www.jsonline.com/ Forum: http://www.jsonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimate.cgi Author: Anne Davis, of the Journal Sentinel Staff Bookmark: Link to Wisconsin articles: http://www.mapinc.org/states/wi HARTFORD TO EVALUATE ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY The Hartford Union High School Board has agreed to review the district's "zero tolerance" policy on student drug and alcohol use after a rash of violations this fall led to 10 students being expelled, District Administrator Richard Zimmerman said Tuesday. The review, approved by the board Monday, will include a separate investigation of the district's extracurricular code and the penalties for its violations. The drug policy was criticized as too harsh during a meeting last month to discuss the problems that led to the 10 expulsions. About 550 people attended the session. Parents of some students who had been expelled said the penalty was too harsh, especially for a first offense. Expulsion left students with few options for continuing their education, the parents said. Other parents supported the policy, which does not contain specific penalties for violations. The criticism prompted the board to conduct a review to make sure the policy and the penalties assigned by the board reflect community expectations, district Administrator Richard Zimmerman said Tuesday. The review will include discussion of what educational options are available to students who are expelled. During a meeting next month, the board is expected to appoint two committees to conduct the reviews. The committees, which will be advisory, will consist of board members, administrators, teachers, students, parents and community members. The groups will be asked to complete their work by the end of the school year so changes that are accepted by the board can be made before school starts next fall, Zimmerman said. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake